Diseases

Noma Cancrum Oris is a disease described in 1800.
It occurs in underdeveloped countries, especially those in sub-Saharan countries.
There were in Europe (a few cases) sixty years ago.

It’s due to malnutrition, poor sanitation and immuno-depression. It appears after a weakening caused by infectious diseases (measles, etc..) particularly in the dry season when the hunger increases.

There are bacteria (fusobacteium necrophorum, Prevotella intermedia) and also virus present in wounds and skin of malnourished children without the disease. The children between 1 and 6 years are the most affected, it rarely hits the adult, although the increase of AIDS creates more cases.
After a couple of days of fever and diarrhea, there is an ulceration of the gums that can spread in a few days on the face, disfiguring and necrosis with a smell of putrefaction.

Without antibiotic therapy for septicemia mortality reaches 80%.

The survivors often lose his cheek, nose, eye and jaw.

The temporomandibular joint is blocked, so you have difficulty eating and drinking.
The survivors are victims of social exclusion.

Reconstructive surgery with the most advanced techniques makes it possible to return to work.
For this reason, reconstructive surgery is the most important in Africa, after general surgery.